Famous bassist strings and their gauges

[kkaarrll]

very cool thread

 

[michael_t]

Jimmy "Flim" Johnson

GHS Bass Boomers 45-65-85-105-130

 

[Namana]

Richard Bona
DR strings: 40-120 on his custom Fodera Imperial 5

 

[michael_t]

Richard Bona
DR strings: 40-120 on his custom Fodera Imperial 5

Any info as to which DR?

 

[BusyFingers]

This is all very interesting, but I don't see the correlation between styles and gauges. I suppose I'm most surprised at how many use light gauge strings. I like this thread, it's really interesting, I just don't know what to do with the information.

 

[michael_t]

This is all very interesting, but I don't see the correlation between styles and gauges. I suppose I'm most surprised at how many use light gauge strings. I like this thread, it's really interesting, I just don't know what to do with the information.

Let's say you have a favorite bassist that has a killer tone you would love to emulate...
While we're all well aware that strings are just a very small part of the whole "recipe" for cooking up bass tones, it does help to have detailed info on the equipment used by pros in your quest for what you're looking for.

 

[Mechayoshi]

I suppose I'm most surprised at how many use light gauge strings.

Secrets out that a light touch and not needing to exert yourself any more then you have too, is key?

 

[JimmyM]

This is all very interesting, but I don't see the correlation between styles and gauges. I suppose I'm most surprised at how many use light gauge strings. I like this thread, it's really interesting, I just don't know what to do with the information.

At the end of the day, there's not much you can do with it. You're still going to like the strings you like and dislike the ones you dislike. Mostly its a nerdy form of entertainment for bass players

 

[michael_t]

Mostly its a nerdy form of entertainment for bass players

This is very true. I AM a bass nerd and a TalkBass junkie who's entertained by this thread.

 

[JMacBass65]

At the end of the day, there's not much you can do with it. You're still going to like the strings you like and dislike the ones you dislike. Mostly its a nerdy form of entertainment for bass players

So more or less like every other thread.

 

[JMacBass65]

John Paul Jones
Strings 1 : Rotosound Swing Bass 66(Roundwound)
Gauges 1 : 46-63-80-102
Strings 2 : Electric Bass Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB Coating
Gauges 2 : Medium .045 - .105

He also used flats, on his Jazz bass, "back in the day".

He stated in 1977 that there were Rotosound RS77s, however, people have pointed out that the silk wraps on them look like LaBellas, and also like Fenders.

So, do what you like with this info.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

I, by myself, found out I want to play light strings, as are more comfortable and have better tone and intonation, imho. Than I realized more and more pro use light strings. Great! But in the end you end up with the string you like no matter what the pros play.

 

[Namana]

Any info as to which DR?

I've been told Hi-beam. Not sure though, unfortunately

 

[BrentSimons]

At the end of the day, there's not much you can do with it. You're still going to like the strings you like and dislike the ones you dislike. Mostly its a nerdy form of entertainment for bass players

Exactly!

 

[shallow larynx]

Would it be possible to replace the E string with a 95 gauge on a 105-85-65-45 set and have a good tone/playability?

 

[michael_t]

Would it be possible to replace the E string with a 95 gauge on a 105-85-65-45 set and have a good tone/playability?

This would depend on the specific make/type of string. What strings are you talking about?

 

[Root 5]

Carol Kaye: I recall reading that she would use the stock strings ( so Fender ) on Fenders. For a number of years now she's been using Thomastik Infeld . There's a 1960s (?) pic of her playing an Epiphone non-cut archtop guitar. The silks on the tuner end is red like modern day TIs. I dunno what that means!

 

[shallow larynx]

This would depend on the specific make/type of string. What strings are you talking about?

Same manufacturer, all D'Addario round wound strings

 

[michael_t]

Same manufacturer, all D'Addario round wound strings

The .095 will feel noticeably looser than the .105, making the E uneven with the rest. Not that it can't be done, but not the best combination.

 

[shallow larynx]

The .095 will feel noticeably looser than the .105, making the E uneven with the rest. Not that it can't be done, but not the best combination.

Thanks!